Liverpool star Alisson Becker backed by Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel after mistake at Leicester City

‘STAY WITH IT’

The Dane urged Alisson not to compromise on his style, but warned the media will be putting him under intense scrutiny

Alisson Becker must continue to be adventurous with the ball at his feet if he is to succeed at Liverpool.

That’s the view of former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel, who has leapt to the defence of the Brazilian after his error led to a goal at Leicester City.

The world’s most expensive goalkeeper has been backed by Man United legend Peter Schmeichel

After receiving a skewed backpass from Virgil van Dijk, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper tried to do a ‘Cruyff Turn’ on Kelechi Iheanacho, but was dispossessed and left helpless as Rachid Ghezzal tapped in.

Despite the gaffe, Schmeichel insisted the ‘worst thing’ the former Roma man could do was to stop taking risks and change his style.

“This is a new style,” he said. “It’s what teams and managers are looking for. Someone who is very comfortable with their feet and can pass the ball even in tight areas.

“You lose the ball every now and then. Every single player does that, no matter where they are on the pitch.

Alisson loses the ball to Iheanacho

“The worst thing he can do is compromise his style. Stay with it, be comfortable with it, that’s his way of playing.

“The next few months he will be under pressure. The media will be scrutinising every little thing he is doing.

“How is he reacting to that? Can he still go out and play at this very high level? That is the art of goalkeeping. That you have that ability.

“When he made the mistake, the camera was on him a few times, he looked worried. It was playing on his mind. He needs to work on that. It’s the only way you can survive.”

Schmeichel compared Alisson to Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar

When he first arrived in the Premier League, much was made of David De Gea’s slight frame and inconsistency between the sticks.

However, the Spaniard has transformed himself into one of the best in the world – adding a far-more intimidating physique to his incredible reflexes and shot-stopping ability.

Another Liverpool keeper who initially struggled was the erratic Bruce Grobbelaar.

Passionate and brilliant in equal measure, the Zimbabwean eventually made 628 appearances for the club in all competitions between 1980 and 1994.

“When Liverpool were the most successful team in England and Europe they had a very entertaining goalkeeper,” he added.

“Grobbelaar was that kind of guy. He would be incredible for many, many games then come out for a cross he should not have come out for, and they concede a goal.

“But the team knew that. They lived for that. It wasn’t a problem. He never changed and that, beyond anything, is the most important thing.”